Dear International Worker, Don’t forget God is writing the story. Accurate accounts of Him at work in and around you are beautiful, real stories worth sharing. Recently I read about a worker who embellished his newsletter so that his work and relationships sounded like much more than they really were. He felt the need to …

Share this:

Like this:

*I found this article on alifeoverseas.com. If you would like to pray for TCK's and better understand how to bless them, please visit the author's blog address listed at the end of the article. I highly recommend it. Please see "About the Author" at the end of this article so that you can connect with more of …

Share this:

Like this:

"No Aama! I can't go in there! I'm naked!" "Sweetie you aren't naked. You're wearing a dress. Kids in America usually don't wear pants under dresses. Everyone in the restaurant will know that because they've lived in America for a few years now. It's okay." "No! I'm staying in my carseat. I won't go in …

Share this:

Like this:

Most people know about culture shock, but culture stress is something different. When my family first moved to South Asia, we often experienced culture shock. It gradually decreased, but for a few months to around two years, we had new experiences that felt either captivating or startling. Eventually these experiences became normal parts of our …

Share this:

Like this:

It is possible to think about ministry in a way that is very different from what is recorded in Jesus’ life and work. Such thoughts can be unintentionally propagated within Christian contexts. Most of us don’t intend to veer from the beautiful simplicity of loving God and other people, but false thinking can easily gain a foothold in anyone’s life.

Over the years I’ve picked up on attitudes or heard conversations that describe ministry something like this:

“If a large enough number of people can see the important Christian stuff I’m doing and deem it worthy, then I will be considered a person in the ministry.

“If I can accomplish a list of tasks in a really Christian way, then I’m doing ministry.”

“If someone gives me a microphone and everyone else has to listen, then I’m doing reallywell in ministry.”

Share this:

Like this:

Sharing this again because we unexpectedly lost a family member a few days ago. Loss is something everyone deals with. Dealing with loss can be tough when you are living as an expat. So I am sharing this again. Thanks for reading. I hope this encourages other international workers who have experienced sudden, unexpected loss. …

Share this:

Like this:

Daniel and I don’t talk about the miscarriages often, but last week we did and I learned something. From now on I will refer to them as our miscarriages instead of just mine.

I’ve encouraged people to think of men during miscarriage for a few years now. It’s a topic close to my heart, but I didn’t realize that verbally I was still referring to our experiences as mine until I talked with Daniel last week.

I interviewed him to better understand how he felt and learn what helped him after our first miscarriage. I wanted to know what he would say to fathers who are dealing with miscarriage and to friends and loved ones who want to help.

After the miscarriage what did people say or do that was helpful to you?

Share this:

Like this:

Christmas Past: South Asia. Nearby mountains. Cold. At our community's Christmas gathering, our Fijian friend wrapped chicken in banana leaves, then roasted it in the ground while his wife made fresh bread and prepared for the guests. Around a huge bonfire in their yard, we all ate and sang the evening away while our children …

Share this:

Like this:

“Shut up! God loves all those people!” My friend was normally quiet, but when she spoke on this day I appreciated it. Her words revealed many things going on in her heart. She said this to a well intentioned, but overzealous person who had come to visit. This person was talking about their work to …